Differentiation: ESSENTIALS

Which of the following describes a stem cell?

• A cell without a specific function--it can turn into any type of cell

• A cell with a specific job--it cannot turn into another type of cell

Cell differentiation is...

• When a stem cell gets a specific job

• When nerve cells are converted to blood cells

• When certain cells acquire certain organelles to help with their functions

Which of the following best describes your very first cell (after fertilization)?

• Zygote

• Blastocyst

• Stem Cell

• Specialized cell

Which of the following is another word for "stem cell?"

• Specialized cell

• Differentiated cell

• Undifferentiated cell

Which of the following best describes neurons?

• A cell that sends electrical signals through the body

• A cell that helps muscles expand / contract

• A cell that carries oxygen through the body (using hemoglobin molecules)

• A cell that fertilizes an egg cell

Which of the following best describes myocytes?

• A cell that sends electrical signals through the body

• A cell that helps muscles expand / contract

• A cell that carries oxygen through the body (using hemoglobin molecules)

• A cell that fertilizes an egg cell

Which of the following best describes erythrocytes?

• A cell that sends electrical signals through the body

• A cell that helps muscles expand / contract

• A cell that carries oxygen through the body (using hemoglobin molecules)

• A cell that fertilizes an egg cell

TRUE / FALSE: A stem cell can become ANY type of cell in your body.

• True

• False

TRUE / FALSE: All cells in your body have the same DNA (except your sex cells).

• True

• False

TRUE / FALSE: All cells in your body have the same genes activated.

• True

• False